An inflatable, giant rat with features resembling Donald Trump's greeted lawmakers as the president traveled to Baltimore on Thursday for a speech at an annual congressional Republican retreat.

The balloon, which held a cellphone and bore Trump-like hair, was positioned on top of a vehicle with a sticker that said "Fight Fascism, Stop Trump."

Throughout the day, protesters gathered around the effigy and deployed other visual aids for their political statements, including a street sign labeled "BARACK OBAMA AVE" under the actual street name, "S. PRESIDENT STREET," according to CBS Baltimore.

Protesters held signs that said, "Trump and the GOP are the real rats" and "Welcome rat king," the Associated Press reported.

US Secret Service and police officers reportedly patrolled the area amid the protests, which were a few blocks away from the Republican-sponsored event at the Waterfront Marriott.

His statements about the city in July rankled many Democrats and Baltimoreans. He also attacked House Oversight Committee chairman Elijah Cummings, whose district includes part of the city. Trump suggested the Baltimore's living conditions were deplorable and characterized the city as a "disgusting, rat and rodent infested mess," where "no human being would want to live."

Trump's comments prompted condemnation from Baltimore officials, and the city's newspaper, The Baltimore Sun, published an editorial calling him "the most dishonest man to ever occupy the Oval Office."

"Better to have some vermin living in your neighborhood than to be one," the newspaper wrote.

"I hope he has a pleasant visit," Cumming said to CNN on Thursday. "I hope he gets a chance to see quite a bit of Baltimore."

Trump has no plans to stay in Baltimore following his speech, the White House said, according to the Associated Press.

Popular from BI Prime

Close iconTwo crossed lines that form an 'X'. It indicates a way to close an interaction, or dismiss a notification.Check mark iconA check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction.